Playing with Curves

Round out your quilting repertoire! Let Ann Petersen take the fear out of sewing curved seams and open up a new world of piecing.

Don’t let curves be your archenemy. Ann demystifies sewing curved pieces to create stunning blocks full of movement and grace. Ann will show you how to cut and pin your pieces before easing them through the sewing machine to create curved seams free of puckering or pleats. Once you master sewing a gentle curve, add paper piecing or even free-form piecing into the mix to create a whole new variety of quilts.

You'll learn how to cut arcs using a variety of custom, reusable templates, in addition to step-by-step instructions for constructing each of Ann's intricate blocks. You'll leave the class with five patterns and templates that can be made into place mats or any quilt top of your choice, as well as a burst of confidence every time you sew on a curve.

Lesson plan

Lesson 1. Getting Started

Meet your instructor, quilter Ann Petersen, and discover what you'll learn in class as you jump into the tools, materials and templates you'll need to create perfect curves.

15:03

Lesson 2. Sewing Gentle Curves

Ann makes your introduction to curves easy and engaging as you learn the best methods for pinning, sewing and quilting on gently curved pieces.

32:54

Lesson 3. Winding Ways Block

Dive into the Winding Ways Block as you work with freezer paper, cut the fabric, lay out the block, mark the seam intersections, sew and press with professional tips along the way. Ann discusses machine quilting options and expert advice on how to prepare, clip and press your pieces for the best results.

25:55

Lesson 4. Starting Curves Again?

Sew along with Ann as you create a beautiful "Curves Again?" block. Learn how to work with paper pieced curves as you press, cut, attach the template and sew, learning the best settings for your machine and techniques to help you succeed along the way.

34:01

Lesson 5. Finishing Curves Again?

Complete your "Curves Again?" block as you pin, sew, work with mitered corners and borders and finish the corners. Ann walks you through various design options that you can apply to any quilt of your choosing.

51:08

Lesson 6. Ice Sawblades Block

Celebrate your new sense of confidence and put your curved quilting skills into play as you tackle the Ice Sawblades block. Ann demonstrates step-by-step instructions for constructing an inner and outer arc with various interlocking pieces, resulting in a gorgeous finished block that will wow your friends.

29:21

Lesson 7. Twist Tie Block

Finish the class with the Twist Tie block as you continue to sharpen your skills at cutting, sewing, pressing and quilting various curves. Ann ends the lesson with a helpful overview of design and quilting ideas that will leave you feeling inspired and ready to tackle any curved design of your choosing.

"I took this class because I was interested in learning more about piecing with curves. I had taken Ann's quilting class and really liked her style so was really excited to see this one. It DOES NOT DISAPPOINT!! Ann's instructions are easy to understand and she makes the process fun. She gives alternative ways to do most things in case the student isn't comfortable with a particular method, which is very helpful. I purchased the class yesterday and stayed up late last night to watch the lessons because they were so interesting and informative. The projects for the class are gorgeous and I can't wait to make all of them." - Deb DBirmingham, AL

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Lesson 1. Getting Started

Meet your instructor, quilter Ann Petersen, and discover what you'll learn in class as you jump into the tools, materials and templates you'll need to create perfect curves.

15:03

Lesson 2. Sewing Gentle Curves

Ann makes your introduction to curves easy and engaging as you learn the best methods for pinning, sewing and quilting on gently curved pieces.

32:54

Lesson 3. Winding Ways Block

Dive into the Winding Ways Block as you work with freezer paper, cut the fabric, lay out the block, mark the seam intersections, sew and press with professional tips along the way. Ann discusses machine quilting options and expert advice on how to prepare, clip and press your pieces for the best results.

25:55

Lesson 4. Starting Curves Again?

Sew along with Ann as you create a beautiful "Curves Again?" block. Learn how to work with paper pieced curves as you press, cut, attach the template and sew, learning the best settings for your machine and techniques to help you succeed along the way.

34:01

Lesson 5. Finishing Curves Again?

Complete your "Curves Again?" block as you pin, sew, work with mitered corners and borders and finish the corners. Ann walks you through various design options that you can apply to any quilt of your choosing.

51:08

Lesson 6. Ice Sawblades Block

Celebrate your new sense of confidence and put your curved quilting skills into play as you tackle the Ice Sawblades block. Ann demonstrates step-by-step instructions for constructing an inner and outer arc with various interlocking pieces, resulting in a gorgeous finished block that will wow your friends.

29:21

Lesson 7. Twist Tie Block

Finish the class with the Twist Tie block as you continue to sharpen your skills at cutting, sewing, pressing and quilting various curves. Ann ends the lesson with a helpful overview of design and quilting ideas that will leave you feeling inspired and ready to tackle any curved design of your choosing.

The instructor

Ann Petersen, Instructor of Playing with Curves

Ann Petersen has been sewing quilts since her childhood, and her work has been featured in numerous books, magazine and exhibitions. Annís quilts have won multiple awards, including first place at both the Houston International Quilt Festival and the American Quilter's Society Show in Paducah, Kentucky. She teaches quilting classes on Craftsy and around the US.

Ratings & reviews

Class rating

(32 reviews)

Great Information

by miscSue on March 1, 2015

I just love Ann - she is a great teacher who explains all the little details.

I just love Ann - she is a great teacher who explains all the little details.

Gentle Goes The Curve

by love2quilt... on February 14, 2015

I've wanted to try curves for a while but was afraid they would be too hard. Watching Ann sew gives me the confidence to give them a try. I'll start with the simple Drunkard's Path. I've learned so much fron Ann's classes - she's a great teacher!!

I've wanted to try curves for a while but was afraid they would be too hard. Watching Ann sew gives me the confidence to give them a try. I'll start with the simple Drunkard's Path. I've learned so much fron Ann's classes - she's a great teacher!!

Great teacher! Great projects!

by Midge B on January 27, 2015

As a new quilter I have been apprehensive about trying curved piecing, so I signed up for this class, my first with Ann. What an excellent teacher and such lovely pieces to create. I have watched the videos through and I just started the first lesson. I'm hooked, and I signed up for another one of Ann's classes. Thanks for a great experience, Ann.

As a new quilter I have been apprehensive about trying curved piecing, so I signed up for this class, my first with Ann. What an excellent teacher and such lovely pieces to create. I have watched the videos through and I just started the first lesson. I'm hooked, and I signed up for another one of Ann's classes. Thanks for a great experience, Ann.

Thank You Anne

by Debra-May on January 14, 2015

I so enjoy Anne her teaching is so good easy to understand & follow This is the third class of her's I have enrolled in

I so enjoy Anne her teaching is so good easy to understand & follow This is the third class of her's I have enrolled in

While advanced beginner or intermediate quilting skills are the best match for this class, no prior experience is necessary with curved pieces. Ann walks you through everything you need to know, from pinning to finishing techniques. She starts with gentle curves and increases the complexity and challenge as the class goes on so you can build your skills as you go!